It has been a happy feature of the Gareth Southgate years that his team always win their opening tie at tournaments. It never used to be the case with England but to the list that features Tunisia, Croatia and Iran can be added the name of Serbia.
It was a nervy second half, a stark contrast to the enjoyment of the first period, which had been epitomised by Jude Bellingham. England dropped deep, stirring a few uncomfortable memories and simply trusting their ability to hold an extremely aggressive Serbia at bay. They succeeded.
In the final analysis, Jordan Pickford was not overly tested. The goalkeeper made one eye-catching tipover from a Dusan Vlahovic drive on 82 minutes and, ultimately, it was a triumph of resilience.
Bellingham got the goal, a thumping early header, and England, who would hit the crossbar through Harry Kane towards the end, were left to savour the result. It had been the absolute priority.
The build-up had throbbed with intensity, every detail scrutinised, magnified. It was impossible to ignore the sense that it was a mass cultural event back in England; everybody pausing, connecting, the immersion total.
The atmosphere pulsed. Both anthems were booed. It was never going to be a night for niceties. From England's point of view, the make-up of midfield was a major subplot. The fluidity was pronounced, Phil Foden drifting into central areas from his nominal starting position on the left.
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